Dining and Shopping Destinations in Kent County, Delaware

It’s not just a place to breeze through on your way to the beach. Kent County offers a bounty of unique dining and shopping destinations for every taste and preference.

by Christine Facciolo

Unique hand-crafted tems like this fluted candy bowl by Dottie Boscamp can be found at Beyond Dimensions in Dover.

Photo by the Delaware State News

Shopping in Kent County can put a smile on your face and a bagful of goodies on your arm. Its towns and cities boast walkable retail areas, filled with independently owned shops, many in historic buildings.

Take the LadyBug Shop, for instance. Dan and Rhonda Bond had been wondering what to do with a 19th century building they’d acquired in downtown Milford. Just before leaving for a trip to Italy, Dan Bond read about how the ladybug became Delaware’s state bug and an idea clicked: He’d set up a store with all types of merchandise celebrating the dome-shaped insect. That was 10 years ago, and since then they’ve added a similar line of turtle products to appeal to guys, says Rhonda Bond. Popular items include jewelry, apparel, plush, home decor and mugs. (ladybug-shop.com)

If you see something you like at Beyond Dimensions in Dover, better stake a claim because when it’s gone, it’s gone. That’s because everything in this shop at the corner of Governors Avenue and Reed Street is a hand-crafted, one-of-a kind original personally selected by owner Jean Francis. “We get to know the artists personally and we only carry what we love,” she says. Their inventory includes jewelry, glass art, metal works, pottery, candles and oil lamps and mixed media. Prices range from $20 to $5,000. (beyonddimensionstoo.com)

Looking for organic food for your pet? Fur-Baby Boutique in Milford offers a selection of natural and organic foods, treats and specialty accessories for your dog or cat, many of which are made right in town. “They’re all human-grade,” says owner Sherry Shaffer, who opened the store in 2011 with husband Bryan. “They’re not something you should be able to find in any other store.” There’s also grooming for dogs and cats and daycare and boarding for dogs. (fur-babyboutique.com)

Shopping can be an exhausting activity and not just for one’s wallet. There are lots of ways to say “I’m hungry,” and Kent County has a cuisine to please every palate. Peruvian cuisine emerged as the hottest newcomer on the ethnic food scene in 2012 but Delicioso’s began dishing it up three years ago, predating the trend. Menu items include everything from ceviche to cau cau as well as the tastiest rotisserie chicken in Delaware, says partner Al Gomez. (deliciosochicken.com)

Awaken your taste buds at Kabab Korner where Indian spices blend with Chinese recipes and cooking techniques for a unique dining experience. Chicken, lamb, seafood and vegetarian entrées are prepared according to Islamic dietary guidelines. (kababkornermenu.com)

Get a taste of authentic German food at The Doner Haus. The restaurant, which opened in 2012, specializes in Doner kabobs, the grab-and-go rotisserie meat sandwich enjoyed by many of the men and women of Dover Air Force Base on their frequent trips to Germany. Co-owner and retired flight engineer Christopher Behrens was one of them. Also popular: the Jagerschnitzel, the Doner Ball, an Oreo cookie-based dessert, and the famous tzatziki. And don’t bother asking what makes it taste so good. “It’s a secret,” says Behrens’ wife and business partner Deneen Paciello. (donerhaus.com)

Tea for Two provides an authentic British tea experience right in the heart of Dover. Located in one of Dover’s “painted ladies,” this unique retreat, which opened in August, transports you to Victorian England with an exquisite decor meticulously designed by owner Paula Kinsey. The menu features more than 50 flavors of gourmet loose-leaf teas, scrumptious scones, cucumber sandwiches, pastries, desserts and a whole lot more. Business casual dress. (teafortwohouse.com)

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